Chapter 45: "Shadows of strength"
King Arin sat in silence, his dark eyes fixed on the arena, his expression composed but his thoughts restless. "Daelan spoke of Thrain's awakening as possibly tied to the legacy of the last wielder of the blue flames," he mused. "If the boy truly possesses such a power, it may be a destined gift, one to counter some looming threat. That display earlier... those flames were regal, commanding. Has he truly grown this much, or was it a mere spark of potential? Whether he prevails here or not, his power is undeniable, a force worthy of kingship, or perhaps of catastrophe."
Meanwhile, Thrain stood at the edge of the arena, his thoughts steeling his resolve. "Why was I so anxious? Nerves are natural before battle, but I've trained for this. I am the Phoenix-born, and I've inherited strength that cannot be denied. If this is the best they can muster, I will rise above them all." His fists clenched, determination glowing faintly in his ember-colored eyes.
